Chapter 130: What Returned

Blackwood came into view late in the afternoon, nineteen days after Joe left Ashbourne. Several workshops had appeared along the western road, and a second inspection lane now accommodated the freight carts entering town. Joe recognized the old guard post and the adjoining streets, although the increased traffic made the entrance considerably busier than he remembered. Serena had sent notice of their arrival from the final relay station. A clerk from the magistrate's office waited beside the gate with a written invitation, which she read while the guards completed their inspection. "The magistrate has reserved tomorrow morning for us. He's offered to visit your residence, but his office would be more convenient for reviewing Simon's outstanding filings."

"Arrange it at his office, then. Simon can join us, and I'd prefer to spend this evening at home." Joe thanked the clerk before Serena confirmed the appointment. Their carriage continued through the commercial district, passing several familiar shops before turning toward the Vale residence.

The family property had changed considerably since Joe's last visit. A broad courtyard separated the main house from two smaller buildings, and the western roof had been replaced with better materials. The outer wall and storage rooms were properly maintained, while the repaired paving made it easier for carts to reach the rear entrance. Simon's letters had described the construction, but Joe had not appreciated how thoroughly his parents had improved the property.

Lily and Mike were waiting when the carriage stopped. Lily embraced Joe before the porters finished unloading, then examined him with the attention she had always given his health. "You've been away much longer than I expected. We received your letters, but I would have preferred to see you before another year passed."

"I should have returned sooner," Joe acknowledged. "My latest training occupied more time than I anticipated. I've arranged a longer stay this time, so we won't have to hurry through everything before I leave."

Mike embraced him next and thanked Serena for accompanying him. He directed the porters toward the rooms Lily had prepared, arranging for Joe's medical equipment to be placed near the rear courtyard. Joseph and Pam emerged from the house while the luggage was being carried inside, and Joe went to greet them. His grandfather's right knee appeared stiff during the first few steps, while Pam moved more slowly than he remembered. Both remained active, but their age had become increasingly apparent. Joe had brought medical instruments and several preparations from Ashbourne specifically because he wanted to examine them during his visit.

Pam held his hands before asking about his health and daily life in the capital. She had heard enough about his cultivation through Lily's letters, but she wanted to know whether he was resting properly and eating regularly. Joe reassured her that his schedule allowed sufficient recovery and that his physical condition remained excellent.

Joseph examined him with considerable satisfaction. "Your grandmother has been watching the road since morning. I told her the carriage wouldn't arrive faster because she kept checking the gate."

Pam ignored the remark and led Joe toward the house. Lily had already instructed the kitchen to prepare dinner, and the servants were setting out additional places when Simon and Mira arrived from the workshop district. Simon greeted his brother enthusiastically before examining the carriage and its Montclair escort. "The gate clerks have already told several merchants that you've returned. I expect we'll have visitors tomorrow, although Serena's notice should keep anyone from arriving without an appointment."

"Most of them can continue dealing with you," Joe replied. "I came to visit the family, not take over the workshop."

Simon agreed and helped organize the remaining luggage. Mira greeted Joe and Serena before joining Lily inside. She appeared well, although Joe noticed that she moved more carefully than during his previous visit. He intended to ask about her health later, particularly because the family had mentioned her pregnancy in recent correspondence. Lily insisted that Serena join them for dinner rather than return immediately to her administrative work. Serena accepted after confirming that the two Montclair guards had received accommodations nearby. The family gathered around the table, where the conversation moved naturally from Joe's journey to the changes that had occurred in Blackwood.

Mike described the improvements completed during the previous year, particularly the replacement of the western roof and the additional storage buildings. The workshop had expanded enough that keeping materials in the household courtyard had become inconvenient. Simon had therefore arranged separate storage space, allowing Mike and Lily to organize the residence according to their own needs.

Joe had already seen the expenditures in the accounts, so he asked about the completed work rather than the costs. Mike explained that the contractor had discovered damaged supporting beams while replacing the roof, prompting him to authorize a more thorough repair. The work had taken longer than expected, but the house was now properly protected against the coming rainy seasons.

Simon then described the workshop's growth. Several experienced workers had taken responsibility for ordinary production, while he concentrated on larger contracts and supplier relationships. He had also expanded the storage facilities to accommodate greater demand from merchants in the surrounding settlements.

Joe listened carefully, pleased that his brother had developed the business without requiring constant direction from Ashbourne. The workshop remained profitable, and Simon understood its operations well enough to make most decisions independently.

The conversation eventually turned toward Mary, who had remained in Ashbourne to continue her music education. Lily had received regular letters from her daughter but wanted to know how she was adjusting to the city. "She writes about her teacher and the pieces she's learning, but she also complains about the exercises. I can't always tell whether she's enjoying her studies."

"She enjoys them," Joe assured her. "Her teacher expects serious practice, and Mary doesn't always appreciate the technical work. But she continues practicing after her lessons, and her playing has improved considerably. Edwin also lives nearby, so she's not managing everything alone."

Serena confirmed the assessment. Mary's teacher had recognized genuine ability and expected her to continue improving with proper instruction. Lily appeared reassured, particularly because Mary had rarely shown the same enthusiasm for the lessons arranged for her in Blackwood.

Mike asked whether she had settled comfortably into Joe's house. Joe explained that she had adjusted well to the East District and become familiar with the neighborhood. Her education and ordinary household arrangements were being handled without difficulty, and she had begun developing friendships through her lessons.

The family spent the remainder of dinner discussing ordinary affairs. Pam described the newer clinic near the northern market, while Joseph spoke about the merchants he had come to know. Mira mentioned preparations she and Lily had been making for the child, and Simon explained several changes to the workshop's staffing. Joe had received reports about most of these developments, but the conversation filled in details that had never appeared in the correspondence.

After dinner, Serena joined Simon at the sitting-room table to review several messages that had arrived following Joe's return. A supplier wanted to discuss increased workshop orders, two merchants had requested appointments, and a representative of the Black family had sent formal greetings. Simon recognized the requests and explained which concerned existing business arrangements.

"The supplier wants us to increase our contracted volume because our orders have grown," Simon said. "I've already been discussing the terms. The other merchants probably want to know whether Joe's return means we're preparing another expansion."

Serena examined the correspondence before handing it back. "Continue handling those discussions yourself. I'll deal with anything involving Ashbourne or Montclair. We can bring Joe into a meeting if a decision genuinely requires him."

Simon agreed and collected the documents, leaving Joe free to spend the remainder of the evening with his parents and grandparents.

Later, after the household had settled, Serena approached Joe in the rear study. She had prepared the documents for the magistrate's meeting and wanted to clarify one point before completing her notes.

"How much of your cultivation do you intend to disclose tomorrow?"

"Mid Acquired," Joe answered. "There's little reason to continue presenting myself as Early Acquired after ten months of advancement."

Serena set down her papers and regarded him seriously. She had followed his training in Ashbourne and knew how carefully Marcus had managed information about his progress. Confirming another advancement in Blackwood would change the assumptions surrounding Joe's position, particularly among the established martial families.

"That's a substantial announcement," she said. "The magistrate knows your public Early Acquired assessment, but that was only ten months ago. Reaching Mid Acquired so quickly will attract attention when the information returns to Ashbourne. Marcus should hear about your decision before the magistrate's report reaches the state offices."

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Joe had considered the consequences. He intended to enter the Decennial with a credible public cultivation record, and his recent training had already made it difficult to maintain the impression that his abilities remained unchanged. Revealing Mid Acquired would give others a reasonable explanation for his increasing strength without exposing his Innate Transformation.

"Inform Marcus through the usual channel," he replied. "I'm willing to update the public record, but I don't intend to disclose anything beyond Mid Acquired."

Serena accepted the decision and made a note to prepare the necessary correspondence. "I'll arrange it. The advancement is already extraordinary enough. There is no reason to encourage further speculation by leaving conflicting information in the records."

They reviewed the remaining documents briefly before ending the discussion. Joe returned to his room, while Serena prepared the notice for Marcus and confirmed the next morning's appointment.

The magistrate received Joe, Serena, and Simon early the following day. His clerks had gathered the relevant workshop and property records, allowing the meeting to begin with the administrative issues Simon had raised during the previous month.

The workshop's expansion had increased the number of applications passing between the commercial and property offices. Several documents required repeated verification because the departments maintained separate records, creating delays whenever Simon applied for additional storage or workshop permissions.

The magistrate offered to assign one clerk familiar with the Vale businesses to coordinate future applications. Serena examined the arrangement and agreed that it would resolve most of the delays without requiring special exemptions or changes to ordinary fees.

"One clerk who understands the ownership records will be sufficient," she explained. "Simon already maintains the necessary documents. We only need the offices to coordinate their work instead of requesting the same information repeatedly."

The magistrate accepted the suggestion and instructed a senior clerk to prepare the necessary administrative notice. Simon remained with the staff afterward to clarify several property references, while the magistrate invited Joe and Serena to continue their discussion privately.

Once the clerks withdrew, the magistrate turned toward Joe. He had received reports concerning Joe's extraordinary progress in Ashbourne but knew little about his present cultivation. The town's leading martial families remained dependent on Internal Organ practitioners, and the administration had to account for the strength associated with prominent households.

"Master Vale, your advancement has attracted considerable attention in the state capital. I understand that Montclair considers you a promising Decennial candidate. May I ask whether your cultivation has changed since your last public assessment? The administration would benefit from accurate information."

Joe answered without hesitation. "I've advanced to Mid Acquired. My earlier assessment was completed before the last ten months of training."

The magistrate's composure faltered.

He had already considered Early Acquired an extraordinary achievement for someone of Joe's age. Mid Acquired placed him even farther beyond the martial strength available in Blackwood, and the speed of his advancement exceeded anything the magistrate had personally encountered.

"Mid Acquired?" he repeated before gathering himself. "That's remarkable progress, Master Vale. I had understood that you were still consolidating your earlier advancement."

"My cultivation has continued progressing. Serena will coordinate the necessary update with Ashbourne."

The magistrate accepted the explanation, although he continued studying Joe with evident caution. After a moment, he asked whether he might perceive a trace of the energy associated with Joe's present realm.

Joe agreed and released a controlled portion of Acquired Energy, directing the pressure toward the magistrate without affecting Serena.

The magistrate's breathing tightened immediately. His Blood Energy struggled to maintain its ordinary rhythm beneath the higher-quality pressure, and his fingers pressed against the arms of his chair. Sweat appeared along his forehead as the gap in cultivation became unmistakable.

Joe withdrew the pressure almost immediately.

For several breaths, the magistrate remained silent while restoring his composure. He had encountered powerful martial artists through his position, but the energy he had just felt exceeded anything a local Internal Organ practitioner could produce.

"That is sufficient, Master Vale," he said once his breathing steadied. "Thank you for allowing me to confirm."

Joe inclined his head. The magistrate had approached the issue respectfully, and Joe had no reason to subject him to unnecessary pressure.

The magistrate understood that Joe's arrival would affect how the town's martial families viewed the Vale household. Nevertheless, his position remained protected by the state, and he could continue dealing with Joe through the ordinary responsibilities of his office.

"I'll update the administrative record after receiving confirmation from Ashbourne," he said. "Until then, I'll keep this conversation within the relevant offices. Is there anything concerning your family's local affairs that requires our attention?"

"Nothing beyond the arrangements Simon has already discussed," Joe replied. "He'll continue managing our businesses, and Serena will coordinate any correspondence involving the state capital. If a serious issue requires me, you may contact me directly."

The magistrate accepted the arrangement. Their meeting ended without further discussion, although his manner toward Joe had become considerably more respectful.

During the carriage ride home, Serena reviewed the magistrate's response.

"He handled that well," she observed. "But the news will spread once the record is updated. The Black and Francis families will have to reconsider their assumptions about the Vale household."

"They can continue dealing with Simon as before," Joe replied. "I have no intention of interfering with their ordinary affairs."

"That may be your intention, but their behavior will change regardless. Your cultivation now places the Vale family beyond the strength of their protectors, and they'll understand what that means."

Joe accepted the observation. He had already decided that maintaining his earlier public cultivation offered little benefit, particularly when the coming Decennial would require him to demonstrate increasingly greater strength.

Later that afternoon, Joe accompanied Simon to the workshop district.

The business had expanded considerably since his previous visit. Additional storage buildings occupied the rear grounds, while several experienced employees supervised work that Simon once managed personally. Joe inspected the premises as his brother explained the new supply arrangements, staffing responsibilities, and contracts established during the preceding year.

Simon spoke confidently about the workshop's operations. He knew which suppliers provided reliable materials, which workers could manage greater responsibility, and which contracts required more careful negotiation. Joe examined the accounts and found little that required correction.

Once they returned to Simon's office, Joe closed the door and told his brother about the conversation with the magistrate.

"I confirmed my cultivation this morning. I've reached Mid Acquired, and I wanted you to hear that from me before the information begins circulating through town."

Simon remained silent for several moments. He had followed Joe's advancement through letters, but Mid Acquired belonged to a level of martial strength far beyond anything he had personally witnessed.

"Mid Acquired," he repeated. "You've gone beyond Internal Organs and advanced another stage after that."

"Yes. My training has progressed well over the last ten months."

Simon leaned back in his chair and considered the implications. The Black family's grand elder, the strongest Francis practitioners, and even Renford remained within Internal Organs. Their presence had shaped the town's relationships for years, particularly whenever disagreements threatened to become martial conflicts.

His younger brother had now surpassed all of them by a considerable margin.

"Then our family won't have to depend on another household's protection if a serious dispute occurs," Simon said. "I don't intend to abandon the relationships we've built, but knowing that changes how confidently I can handle certain negotiations."

Joe understood the relief behind his words. Simon had spent years managing the workshop while accounting for the influence of stronger martial families, even when those families were not directly involved in a commercial disagreement.

"Continue managing the business as you have been," Joe advised. "Our relationships with the Black family and other merchants remain valuable. If anyone attempts to use martial pressure against us, tell me. Otherwise, I don't want my cultivation affecting ordinary contracts."

Simon agreed. He had established the workshop through years of practical work and had no intention of creating unnecessary disputes merely because his brother possessed greater strength.

The brothers continued discussing business afterward. Simon explained which employees had become reliable enough to supervise additional work and which suppliers were beginning to demand higher prices. Joe offered several suggestions, but Simon had already identified most of the practical solutions.

When they returned to the residence that evening, Mike was reviewing a carpenter's estimate for repairs to one of the smaller buildings beside the courtyard. Several supporting beams required replacement before the rainy season, and Lily wanted the storage doors changed during the same work.

Mike had already compared the prices and selected a contractor. Joe examined the estimate briefly but found no reason to interfere. His parents had arranged the necessary work themselves and appeared satisfied with the decision.

The following morning, Joe turned his attention toward his grandparents' health.

Joseph rose from breakfast and hesitated while straightening his right knee. Joe had noticed the same stiffness several times since arriving, particularly after his grandfather remained seated for an extended period. Pam's hands also appeared stiff during the morning, although neither grandparent complained unless someone asked directly.

Joe had brought his medical instruments to examine them and hoped to identify treatments that could improve their comfort without placing unnecessary strain on their bodies. Their existing physicians had provided reasonable care, but Joe possessed additional knowledge and access to medicines unavailable through most ordinary clinics in Blackwood.

After breakfast, he asked both grandparents to remain seated while he collected his instruments. "I'd like to examine your joints, circulation, and general condition while I'm here. I've read the reports Lily sent, but I want to assess you personally before recommending any changes. If your current treatments remain appropriate, we'll continue them."

Joseph glanced toward his knee before answering. "If you can help this leg without telling me to stop walking around the property, I'll follow your instructions. The physician keeps recommending more rest, but sitting all day doesn't improve anything."

Pam settled into the chair beside him. "Start with him. He's been calling it ordinary stiffness for months, though I see how much trouble it gives him every morning."

Joe opened his medical case and began the examination. He intended to study the condition of their joints and circulation before selecting any medicine, particularly because both had spent much of their lives performing physical work. Their bodies required careful treatment, and he wanted to preserve their health without introducing unnecessary risks.